Rare yellowish-white albino checkered keelback snake found in Boda, Panchagarh

An unusual checkered keelback snake has been found in Boda upazila of Panchagarh. Its body carries none of the species' normal colour markings. Keelbacks are usually brown and dark in colour, which is why this yellowish-white snake has drawn particular attention.

Md Sahidul Islam, founding president and rescuer of the Wildlife and Snake Rescue Team in Bangladesh, recently rescued the snake from Haldia Pukur village in Maidandighi Union of Boda upazila.

Wildlife rescuers said the change in the snake's colour was caused by albinism, a rare genetic trait. The snake is a checkered keelback, whose scientific name is Fowlea piscator. It is a completely non-venomous species.

Albinism is not a separate species but an inborn genetic trait of an animal. In this condition, melanin production in the body decreases or stops, changing the animal's natural body colour. In many cases it also affects eye colour.

Rescuer Md Sahidul Islam said the snake has several wounds on its body. Its natural colour has changed because of albinism, and snakes with such traits are not commonly seen.

Experts are observing whether the snake's physical condition changes after it sheds its skin a few times. The snake will then be released into a suitable environment, it was learned.